UBC Chemistry, EOAS welcome new leadership
June 24, 2024
Two of UBC’s largest science units will welcome new heads this summer, with Professor Laurel Schafer and Dr. Erik Eberhardt taking on the leadership of the departments of Chemistry and Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, respectively.
Both appointments begin July 1, 2024.
Professor Schafer, whose group develops new catalytic methods for carbon-nitrogen and carbon-carbon bond forming reactions, has served as associate head of research with UBC Chemistry since 2016.
Currently the director of UBC’s geological engineering program, Dr. Eberhardt’s research focuses on rock mechanics and rock engineering—work relevant to both surface and underground engineering problems.
“Both Erik and Laurel are passionate about the research, teaching and mentorship conducted across their units, and I look forward to working with them to advance the goals of their departments,” said Dean pro tem Dr. Mark MacLachlan.
“I want to thank Dr. Michael Wolf for his excellent leadership as head of Chemistry over the past eight years—that’s included navigating a pandemic, and overseeing substantial renewal of staff and faculty who have helped enhance the diversity of the department and solidify its global reputation.”
“Similarly, EOAS has undergone substantial renewal over the past five years, and I’m very appreciative of Dr. Philippe Tortell’s excellent leadership as head, which brought talented researchers and educators into the department. He also developed strong ties with Chilean researchers through a new NSERC graduate training program, and led a future minerals initiative designed to bridge EOAS with partners and large funding opportunities.”
EOAS is one of most diverse departments of its kind in the world, and underpins UBC’s strong national rankings in geology and the earth sciences. Chemistry is a major STEM hub at UBC Vancouver, providing training to more than 7,000 students across five Faculties every year.
Chemistry head search committee
Dr. Dan Bizzotto, Dr. Mark Thachuk, Dr. Eva Nichols, Dr. Jay Wickenden, Dr. Dan Coombs, Ken MacFarlane, Candace Lam, and Desiree Fiaccabrino.
EOAS head search committee
Dr. Dominique Weis, Dr. Scott McDougall, Dr. Lindsey Heagy, Dr. Rachel White, Dr. Brett Gilley, Dr. William Cheung, Amber Stefanson, Charlie Barrett, and Katrin Steinthorsdottir.
